Jason Kelce is taking his fans on a rollercoaster ride.
After the Wild Card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Monday night, reports flooded the internet (including one of our own) that Jason Kelce had reportedly announced his retirement after the game. While Kelce shared last season that he had thoughts of retiring before the start of play this year, he decided to hit the field again as one of the most influential centers in the NFL.
This season has been a while ride for Philadelphia Eagles fans after their team started out the season 10-1 before collapsing and finishing the season 1-6 in their final seven games.
And after an emotional ending to their season with a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the playoffs, Kelce was seen teary-eyed, hugging his offensive line coach and friends and family.
NFL insiders then reported that in the locker room after the game, Kelce informed his teammates that he was retiring and would not be returning next season.
Despite the press attention the news got, Jason Kelce took to the New Heights podcast with his brother and co-host Travis Kelce to say that he has not “officially” retired.
“You know, Nick kind of gave me the opportunity to talk. I didn’t announce what I was doing on purpose. Despite, I guess, what’s been leaked to the media.
I just don’t think you’re in a position after a game like that to really make that decision. I just don’t…there’s too much emotion in the moment to really fully grasp that decision. I’m not trying to be dramatic and continue to draw this thing out. I’m really not.
It’s just something that I think, you know when it’s time to officially announce what’s happening in the future…It will be done in a way that’s definitive and pays respect to a lot of people and individuals that have meant a lot to me and led to the career I’ve had.”
As Kelce has been with the Eagles since he was drafted into the NFL in 2011, he feels he owes his team and coaches a proper farewell instead of announcing right after a tough loss.
“A lot of guys were like, you know, ‘If that is your last game, I feel sorry for you.’ I’m like, don’t feel sorry for me, motherf**ker. I’ve had f**k….”
He trails off and tears up as he reflects on the locker room conversation with his fellow Eagles teammates.
As Jason Kelce has been an integral part of the franchise’s success, this decision is anything but easy for him.
Listen to the full episode of New Heights here.
